LE SILLON
A John Deere PublicationDriving Accuracy & Efficiency | FJA Excavating Inc. | John Deere
Winter/Spring 2026
Big Shoulders
Shouldering a Heavy Workload with Next-Generation SmartGrade™
3:45 MIN READ
Poet Carl Sandburg famously described Chicago as the "City of Big Shoulders," a tool maker, stacker of wheat, player with railroads, and the nation's freight handler. Other cities may claim to never sleep, but Chicago is ceaselessly planning, shoveling, building, and rebuilding.
Such a brawling, sweating city (Sandburg's words) requires robust infrastructure and utilities. The Limonciello family has been in the plumbing contracting business since the 1950s. Anthony Limonciello, owner of FJA Excavating Inc., Melrose Park, Illinois, began as a plumbing contractor in 1995.
Limonciello has always had a passion for building things: "Every day I go to work, I say, 'We're going to build something today.' And whenever I drive by a project we did, I say, 'I built that place.' It becomes a part of our history — a part of who we are."
In 2004, Limonciello founded FJA Excavating, and his son, Vice President Frank Limonciello, joined him 13 years ago. "We're out here every day working shoulder to shoulder," says Frank. Father and son, building a future together in the City of Big Shoulders.
TECHNOLOGY FOR A CHANGING WORLD
In today's construction industry, technology is not an option — companies must lead, follow, or get out of the way. Embrace innovation or get left behind. "The world is changing," says Anthony. "If you are not up to speed with the latest grade-management solutions, you won't get much work here in Chicago, or likely anywhere else."
In the Chicago suburb of Lombard, one of FJA Excavating's crews completes site development for a retail center on land adjacent to a wetland. FJA Excavating is handling land clearing, excavation, and a stormwater-detention system. Two John Deere machines equipped with optional SmartGrade, a 650 P-Tier Dozer and a 350 P-Tier Excavator, provide a flexible, intelligent grade-management solution. SmartGrade technology improves productivity and accuracy while minimizing rework and the need for periodic grade checks.
"Typically, a project that takes a week, we were able to complete in three days," says Anthony. "Whether we are cutting subgrade, spreading stone, or final grading, SmartGrade helps us do it more efficiently with fewer passes. We don't need someone constantly checking the grade. Ninety percent of the time, the machine is spot-on."
At another jobsite in Shorewood, Illinois, the company recently completed sitework on an eight-acre site using John Deere SmartGrade excavators and dozers. The crew moved 800 to 900 loads of dirt off-site without requiring a single stake in the ground.
"Everything can be built on the computer before we go out into the field, so we can simply show up and go to work," explains Anthony. "With SmartGrade, we always know where we are and what to do, wherever we are on a site. We can't imagine working on a jobsite now without SmartGrade."
Next-level SmartGrade delivers even greater accuracy along with 2D and 3D views on a larger screen, flexible licensing accommodating both Topcon and Leica systems, and open-ecosystem options. "Smart-Grade systems are integrated with our jobsite-model files," says Anthony. "That's a huge time-saver and really streamlines production."
"It has been a game changer for us," adds Frank. "It just makes our job easier and reduces the labor force. We previously required a crew of three to grade a parking lot. Now we need an operator and a laborer, and we're able to do projects twice as fast."
"We can't imagine working on a jobsite now without SmartGrade"
Expansion and Growth
About five years ago, Frank suggested the company expand into excavation. "We started to lose jobs because we were only doing the utilities work," he says. "We had the know-how and equipment, so it made sense to handle the excavation work along with our sewer and water work. By taking on more of the project, we also help our contractors become more efficient. So we moved into sitework, grading, and excavation."
As Frank became more involved in running field operations for FJA Excavating, he reached out to local John Deere dealer West Side Tractor Sales to see how they could help support new business opportunities. "They really helped us expand the scope of work we do with the right equipment and grade-control technology," says Anthony.
John Deere SmartGrade-equipped machines have played an essential role in the company's growth. "They jumped in feet first," says Justin Barnett, grade control specialist, West Side Tractor, of FJA Excavating. "As they become more comfortable, they are realizing its potential. They are a great contractor, and SmartGrade will only help them become more efficient and productive."
Equally critical has been service and support from West Side Tractor. "Our Grade Control Team takes great pride in delivering a high level of support," says Barnett. "We know how frustrating it can be if new technology doesn't work as promised. We have multiple technicians available who can often quickly resolve issues over the phone."
Using digital tools such as John Deere Operations Center™ and Service Center™, the dealership also continually monitors machine health for any alerts and fault codes. If needed, technicians can even use Remote Display Access to view an individual machine's display. "They contact us as soon as something happens, sometimes even before we know there is an issue," says Frank. "They can diagnose and fix the problem remotely, often without having to come out on site, saving time and money. And if a part is needed, they can send out a technician with the right part without an additional visit."
The Limonciello family has been working with West Side Tractor since the 1980s. "They always treated us right and made us feel important," says Frank. "It's nice to have a good working relationship with people. It simply makes life easier."
FJA Excavating Inc. is serviced by West Side Tractor Sales, Lisle, Illinois.
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A John Deere 650 P-Tier LGP transforms a rough mound of gravel into a well-graded surface.
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